As a player and a coach, Phil Jackson has collected 13 championships. Carmelo Anthony, now in his 11th season, has amassed almost one.

So the obvious credibility, respect, winning credentials and, yes, the chance to turn 13 into 14 for the executive and none into one for the player all make Jackson’s formal coronation Tuesday as Knicks president something exciting and special. It makes New York a place to be, especially in coming years. And it makes a player like Anthony eager to do anything to be a part of it.

“I’m willing to do whatever. As long as it’s going to put me in a position to win, I’m willing to do whatever,” Anthony said Monday after practice. “I’m not sold or stuck on my play. What I’ve been able to do these past 10, 11 years has gotten me at where I am right now. If Phil wants to come in and change that this late in my career, if it’s going to help me win a championship, I’m with it.”

Jackson will be introduced as the team’s president at an 11 a.m. Garden press conference Tuesday. The Knicks have not confirmed the nature of the gathering, but if it is anything but Jackson’s elevation to the team’s presidential throne, then that protest scheduled for Wednesday outside the Garden will move up a day and head indoors.

The hiring and introduction of Jackson, coupled with the team’s season-high six-game winning streak, has fueled a temporary air of good feeling around the Knicks who are chasing Atlanta for the eighth and final playoffs spot. Entering Monday, the Knicks were 3 ½ games behind the Hawks, who were visiting Charlotte. All has helped shift focus to the future and away from the present.

“The big picture, absolutely, for the big picture this is definitely more attractive,” said Anthony, who can opt out and become a free agent this summer.

One overriding story line this season for the Knicks has centered around Anthony’s free agency. Will he stay? Will he go? With Jackson aboard, the question shifts. Do the Knicks want him to stay? Anthony on Monday sounded like a guy wanting above all to follow Jackson to a title, doing anything to get there.

“As far as knowing what it takes to win, Phil is the best to ever do it,” Anthony said. “So for me to be able to have the opportunity and have him by my side, for him to teach me — I’m still willing to learn the game of basketball. And I haven’t won anything. So he’s won a lot. I can learn a lot from him and his system, things that he wants to incorporate here. I’m hoping and praying this all works.”

Just a few days ago, Anthony was reminded how Jackson once was less than complimentary about his passing. Anthony acknowledged Jackson probably had a valid point in that critique two years ago. Phil Jackson is, well, Phil Jackson.

And that’s why the Knicks sought him first as a coach and then lured him to the front office with a five-year deal worth $12 million annually, up to a reported $15 million with incentives. Plus, there are perks which, sources said, include some $20,000 a month for personal expenses such as lodging and a car.

It’s good to be the president. For the Knicks, it’s good to have Jackson as president.

“His résumé is his résumé, you can’t change that. Everybody sees that regardless of who you are, what type of player you are, you see a Phil Jackson résumé and you automatically gravitate towards that,” said Anthony, who has had no prior contact with Jackson who coached his way to six titles with the Bulls, five with the Lakers and earned two more as a Knicks player.

“I never met Phil, I haven’t talked to Phil. [Tuesday] will probably be my first day,” Anthony said.

People seem to be lining up for an audience with Jackson, who has fueled an atmosphere of good feeling around the Knicks before even one day on the job.

Even coach Mike Woodson, whose fate is directly linked to the hiring, was upbeat in his assessment.

“Anytime you bring someone in of this magnitude [it’s exciting],” Woodson said. “Phil has done everything from a coaching standpoint, as a player he won. He can’t help but enhance the organization. There’s a buzz in the air. There’s a lot of excitement around New York and Knick nation. Everybody’s excited about him coming in.”

Will Phil Jackson help keep Carmelo on the Knicks?

duhh, we don't like duh haters... duhhh... anthony is a superstar... duhhh.... eyed take him over lebron James... duhhh.... he's won of the all time grates... duhhhh. his shooting persentage wood be higher if dear wuz better players around him... duhhhh

Show me another player on this team that is as "all in" as Melo with the exception of Stat. The haters just refuse to see what their eyes are showing them. Tell me, who would you make the #1 option on this team? Have you seen where our guards rank in nba stats? Breen calls it like he sees it. I know it! You know it! Hate won't allow you to admit it.

Yeah...sure he is. HE has said that before, but he still hogs the ball, keeping the Knicks a 1 man show that will never win anything. It is always disgusting to see the usually learned Mike Breen talk about how Anthony has had to "carry the Knicks on his shoulders" for a game when in reality, it is Anthony that is dragging them down. Turning 2 on 1 fast breaks (and easy 2 points, into a three point attempt that usually comes away empty. Or just plain making the game boring. Knicks on a fast break? Well, forget that. Slow the ball down. Give it to Anthony who will wait until there is less than 6 seconds on the shot clock and then try to score over a double team. EXCITING!

And if he does, he'll make it clear to cream puff that he's going to fit into whatever system his hand selected coach decides to run.

I don't think the narcissistic loser can deal with playing anything other than what Jackson already had him pegged for "... you can't have the ball stop whenever it hits Anthony's hands..." (paraphrased).

Of course, there's always the scenario where he cons Jackson into thinking he'll go along with the system. But knowing the imbecilic nature of the man (caremeloser), he'll try and do it his way. I don't think Jackson will fall for that.

Best thing to do is free up his salary and go get a top tier winner, i.e. team player.

The thing to remember is with Jackson truly running the show, playing in NY just became an attractive proposition. With exception of the choke artist deluxe that is.

@alakawakShow me another player on this team that is as "all in" as Melo with the exception of Stat. The haters just refuse to see what their eyes are showing them. Tell me, who would you make the #1 option on this team? Have you seen where our guards rank in nba stats? Breen calls it like he sees it. I know it! You know it! Hate won't allow you to admit it.

@Jackie C.I'm wondering just what it is you are watching. Melo would be a willing passer if he had the confidence that the players around him could MAKE shots, not just take them. Its not until very recent with Woody going to the current line-up, that we've seen others deliver. Melo has confidence in Stat. I suspect his confidence in the kid is growing as well. JR is actually thriving in his role. All season long here's what we've seen; Shump clank it (or on a drive always arrive out of control), JR Struggle with his rythym while getting his health back, Amare on a minutes restriction, Bargnani, Kmart out, Tyson in and out. Hardaway Jr is going to be a nice player but needs to develop, get stronger and learn how to play "d". No one other than Melo on the team is having a season equal to or better than last season. Melo's "effort" stats such as rebounding, blocked shots, steals etc are all up in his years here. Go google his stats! I'm not talking scoring. Then, take in to consideration he's leading THE LEAGUE in minutes played. Not to like the guy is one thing, but to deny what your eyes are seeing is just ridiculous. SMH

@Ddubya@Jackie C. I'm watching a loser who hogs the ball and is supposed to be a closer. What is he on game tying/winning shots this year? 0 for 13 or some similar ineptitude. Look that word up, because I'm sure you're way to stupid to know what it means.

@Jackie C.@Ddubya Again, who are you building your team around? You pick to target the one guy who's stats are up across the board year over year since he's been a Knick. The one guy who has said "I'll take less money". Have you heard that from anyone else on this team? I'm sure you have a great explanation for that as well. I guess you're pleased with Felton (nba ranked # 51 amongst all point guards)? Shump who clanks 3pointer after 3pointer & drives into no where land? JR? No point even going there...

I will say this for you though - I think its interesting to note how impressed you are with your own vocabulary. I'd never attack someone else's intelligence or lack there of...especially when I can't even properly spell the word "great". Go check your previous post...what was it you said? Oh yes, "all time grates. That's pretty good lol.